A gift

Greg's face fell, his eyes widening in shock, but before he could respond, a snapping sound echoed in his ear. He shifted his gaze and Valerie's concerned face entered his view.

"Why are you zooming out?" she asked, her voice tinged with a gentle worry. She placed a calming hand on his forehead, her touch warm and soothing. "Do you feel sick anywhere?" Her fingers brushed against his skin, sending a wave of comfort through his frazzled senses.

Greg's eyes locked onto hers, his pupils constricting as he searched for clarity. He felt disoriented, as if he'd been pulled from a dream. "It was my imagination?" he mumbled.

Valerie's brow furrowed, her eyes scanning his face. "You spaced out for a second," she explained, her voice low and reassuring. "You were staring right through me."

Greg's mind struggled to recall what had happened. He seemed to have spaced out after she said she might replace him with Gregory Sinclair because he was filthy rich.